Lisa J. Hamameh becomes 91st SBM President
Congratulations to Lisa J. Hamameh, 91st President of the State Bar of Michigan.
Hamameh was sworn in by Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Megan K. Cavanagh on September 19, 2025, during the Presidential Inauguration and Awards Luncheon at the Detroit Marriott Troy. She will serve a one-year term, effective immediately. Serving all 46,000 Michigan attorneys, the State Bar of Michigan promotes the professionalism of lawyers; advocates for an open, fair, and accessible justice system; and provides services to members to help them best serve clients.
In her acceptance speech, Hamameh said she will continue to advance initiatives to protect — not just the integrity of the law, but the well-being of those who practice it, and will foster mentorship, support diversity, champion innovation, and above all, create an environment where lawyers can thrive – not just survive.
A member of Rosati, Schultz, Joppich & Amtsbuechler, Hamameh practices general municipal law, prosecutions and ordinance enforcement, and zoning and land use. She has served on the Board of Commissioners since 2018 and is the first Palestinian American and ninth woman to serve as SBM president.
Hamameh serves on the Well-Being in the Law Commission, Michigan State Bar Foundation Board of Directors, Oakland County Bar Foundation Board of Trustees, and City of Berkley Planning Commission. She is an active member of the Oakland County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys. In 2011, the Oakland County Bar Association awarded her the Frances R. Avadenka Memorial Award in honor of her extensive history of volunteer work, which also includes service to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Habitat for Humanity, Komen Race for the Cure, citizens academies, and many other local programs.
Hamameh earned both her Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and Juris Doctor from Wayne State University and she is the author of several articles related to municipal and criminal law for legal publications as well as the Michigan Townships Association and the Michigan Municipal League.
Other elected Board of Commissioner officers for 2025–2026 are:
- President-Elect: Erika Bryant
- Vice President: Thomas H. Howlett
- Treasurer: David C. Anderson
- Secretary: Suzanne C. Larsen
The luncheon also recognized the contributions of 10 individuals for their exceptional dedication to the legal profession and commitment to ensuring justice for all. The honors went to:
- Roberts P. Hudson Award: Valerie Newman
- Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award: Elizabeth Pollard Hines
- Champions of Justice:
- Marla Linderman Richelew
- Roshundra Graham-Simmons
- Zenell B. Brown
- Keeley D. Blanchard
- John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award: Kathaleen M. Smith
- Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award: Tanisha M. Davis
- John W. Reed Lawyer Legacy Award: John E. Mogk
- Liberty Bell Award: Robert Gaiser
Posted: September 19, 2025